1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Hydrologic process is one of the most complicated processes in physics, which is not only affected by hydrologic features such as evaporation, rainfall and water runoff etc., but also by underlying surface of basin as well as human activities. Therefore, to understand the forming process and basic laws of hydrologic phenomenon has become one of the main research topics of hydrologists.

 

Hydrologic catchment modelling is one of the most important methods of study hydrologic process. In addition, it also plays an important role of flood forecasting and sediment control. The Stanford Watershed Model found by American hydrologists- Crawford and Linsley in 1966 is considered as the very first hydrologic catchment modelling around the world. Since then, hydrologic catchment modelling research entered into a booming stage in this area. With the development of Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing Technology (RS) and other relevant computer technologies, distributed hydrological modelling is becoming a major research topic in this area.

 

The HEC modelling is a very powerful hydrological catchment modelling developed by Hydrologic Engineering Center of US Army Corps of Engineers to make the classic and common computation methods modularly in sub-procedures of the hydrological process. It can be applied in various links of watershed hydrological processes. For instance, plant interception, depression, infiltration, the overland flow, base flow and concentrated flow of river channels, the calculation of water runoff on slope surface, sediment transportation, as well as water resource management and reservoirs joint operation. The HEC catchment modelling is physics based semi-distributed rainfall-runoff model. Different from other hydrological models, the HEC catchment modelling contains various kinds of computation modules to calculate water generation, concentration, sediment erosion, transportation and deposition. It also provides a modular multilevel interaction platform to simulate the watershed rainfall runoff process in different complex conditions, which can be widely used in humid, semi-humid, arid and semi-arid climate areas. Besides, it also has two optimization methods and seven parameters determination modules of objective function.

 

In the area of this study, the Wadi Wala catchment is a typical semi-arid catchment and the aquifer beneath it forms an important hydrologic system in Jordan. Jordan is one of the poorest countries globally in terms of water resources and availability, with extremely scarce renewable water resources and less than 200 mm annual rainfall (Al-Balawi 2004) .Hence, severe water stress and ongoing unsustainable drawdown of fossil groundwater reserves in Jordan (Schulz et al., 2013) make pilot schemes for increasing the capture of seasonal storm flows of considerable strategic importance.

 

The Wala Dam (31.56 ºN, 35.80 ºE) constructed between 1999 and 2002 is mainly used to artificially recharge groundwater storage. This recharge supports agricultural activities in downstream cultivated areas as well as supplementing the potable water needs of the capital city Amman(Ta’any, 2011). The main agricultural activity within the catchment is sheep and goat grazing, which is cause by the bad water conditions of this area, before the dam is constructed. However, due to the hydrological feature of sediment during water runoff, the sediment quantity of water to Wala Dam is continuously increasing. Hence, the sediments decrease the water storage capacity, also the bottom sediments and the water column can react with each other chemically and biologically, which gradually reduces the quality of water.

 

1.2 Aim and Objectives

AIM:

 

The aim of this project is to investigate by using HEC-HMS to define the place where is the most sensitive and erodible in Wadi Wala Jordan.

 

Objective :

 

• to make HEC-HMS model the catchment of sediment of Wadi Wala in Jordan.
• to determine where the sediments come from.
• to investigate the place where is the most sensitive and erodible.
• to analyse data then try to find a way to decrease the sediment which likely reach into river or move down with river.
• to determine how sediment will be effected by the land use and soil type.
• to investigate the reductions in sediment loading by modifying river parameters within the catchment

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 HEC-HMS

From the legacy hydrologic simulation software, the computation engine has developed from algorithms like HEC-1 (HEC, 1998), HEC-1F (HEC, 1989), PRECIP (HEC, 1989), and HEC-IFH (HEC, 1992) to more modernized and comprehensive algorithms throughout the past thirty years to form a comprehensive library of simulation routines. In addition, future version of the software will continuously developed to meet new conditions and problems in hydrologic process with new algorithms and analysis techniques. (William 2013)

 

2.1.1 Evolution of HEC-HMS

The first program released was call Version 1.0 and contains most of the capabilities of simulating conditions and situations of the HEC-1 software. And compared to the legacy software, it improved in various aspects such as unlimited number of hydrograph ordinates and gridded runoff representation. The optimized parameter estimation tolls were much more flexible than in previous programs. This version also improved the C++ language in a more object-oriented way and provided multiplatform support with a graphical user interface.

 

After version 1.0, more modernized version called Version 2.0 was released. It further improved the simulation capabilities from event simulation to continuous simulation. For instance, the addition of the soil moisture accounting method enables the program to work well with event or continuous simulation applications than just event-simulation. In addition, the reservoir element was also expanded to present physical descriptions for outlet, spillway, and overflow. An overtopping dam failure option was also added in version 2.0.

 

Next major development of the program was called Version 3.0 which included new computation features and brand new graphical user interface. New analysis methods of snowmelt and evapo-transpiration were added to enhance the meteorologic model. What’s more, new methods of representing infiltration in the sub-basin element and additional computational options in the diversion and reservoir elements were included in the basin model. Specially designed graphical user interface makes establishment and management of various data type easier for hydrologic simulation, and also improved work efficiency for users with a better-integrated user-friendly environment.

 

Next generation of program focused more on new computation features by enhancing existing area with more methods for representing physical processes, especially in the meteorologic model. Surface erosion and sediment transportation in water channels have been added in version 4.0 along with a new process capability for nutrient water quality simulation. Real-time forecasting module was also possible in the new version.

 

Basically, HEC modelling as a powerful tool in hydrologic simulation continuously enhances simulation techniques and representation of physical processes for emerging needs along with version updates. HEC also has a strong commitment in designing more user-friendly program interface. Based on program development planning, new features will be added in the future version to make the program much easier to use by providing more flexible methods and algorithms of simulation and calculation. New visualization concepts are also being developed.

 

Figure 1 : Simplification of the operation of the HEC-HMS

 

2.2.2 Capabilities of HEC-HMS v4.0

For a new-users to use HEC-HMS well, after reading user manual (William

2013), the following function has been list:

 

HEC-HMS has strong ability of capabilities for conducting hydrologic simulation. The most common methods in hydrologic engineering are included. This software has  good performance in dealing with difficult work and representing the watershed environment. It can deal with :

 

Watershed Physical Description

 

Watershed physical description is one of most important part in water engineering. The physical representation of a watershed is accomplished with a basin model. Hydrologic elements are connected in a dendritic network to simulate runoff processes. Several elements are available such as subbasin, reach, junction, reservoir, diversion, source, and sink. It can be available to model the process from upstream elements to downstream direction.

 

Meteorology Description

 

Using meteorologic model can analyse meteorologic data, which could involve shortwave radiation, precipitation, evapo-transpiration, and snowmelt. Not all of these components are required for all simulations. Simple event simulations require only precipitation, while continuous simulation additionally requires evapo-transpiration.

 

Hydrologic Simulation

 

The time span of a simulation can be set specifically. In addition, the starting date and time, ending date and time, and a time interval can be set. A simulation run is created by combining a basin model, meteorologic model, and control specifications. It could save all basin state information at a point in time; also it has ability to restart a simulation run from previously saved state information.

 

The basin map can illustrate the simulation results. Global and element summary tables will describe variable information such as peak flow, total volume. It can produce a time-series table and graph based on various elements. Results can be viewed and printed based on multiple elements and multiple simulation.

Parameter Estimation

HEC-HMS can estimate most parameters for methods included in subbasin and reach elements automatically.

 

 

Analyzing Simulations

 

Analysis tools are designed to work with simulation runs to provide additional information or processing. Currently, the only tool is the depth-area analysis tool. It works with simulation runs that have a meteorologic model using the frequency storm method. It simulates a virtual storm, so that estimate elements; the tool will automatically adjust the storm area and generates peak flows represented by the correct storm areas.

 

 

Sediment and Water Quality

 

Sediment and water quality can use the basin model for analysis and simulation. Surface erosion can be calculated at subbasin elements using the MUSLE approach for rural areas or the build-up/wash-off approach for urban settings. Channel erosion, deposition, and sediment transport can be added to reach elements while sediment settling can be included in reservoir elements. Nutrient boundary conditions (nitrogen and phosphorus) can be added to source and subbasin elements. Nutrient transformations and transport can be added to reach and reservoir elements.

 

2.2 Study Area

Jordan is one of the countries with the least water resources and availability due to its topographic features. It is extremely short of renewable water resources and the annual rain fall is less than 200 mm across 91% of its area (Abdulla and Al-Assa’d, 2010). It has a typical Mediterranean climate, which has hot dry summers and cold wet winters (Al-Bakri and Al-Jahmany, 2013). The precipitation is relatively high in the rainy season from October to May, maximized in December and January. The distribution of the rainfall varies significantly with location from the northwest part with 500 mm a^-1 to the southeast part with less than 100 mm a^-1. The average annual rainfall is merely 181 mm a^-1. It can be claimed that its temperatures changes seasonally and diurnally, with absolute daily temperatures from 47 °C to –5 °C (Margane et al., 2009).

Figure 2: Rainfall distribution in Jordan (Source: Ministry of Environment, 2006)

 

Ta’any (2011) pointed that the WadiWala catchment is the northern tributary of Mujib Basin, covers ansemiarid to arid area of 1998 km² with a triangular shape whose longer axis is E-W direction. The main Wadis of this catchment areWadi Abu Halifiyyeh, Wadi Um El-Amad, WadiElZareer, Wadi El-Nashiyeh, WadiShalaq and WadiSfuq, whose confluence flows to the Dead Sea and forms WadiWala. All the Wadis drain from the higher plateau in the north, north-east and east to the lowlands of the Jordan Valley in the west.

 

 

 Figure 3: General Hydrology Environment in Jordan (Source: Google Earth)

 

 

It can be indicated that the agriculture in Wala catchment is mainly high land agriculture with the majority of the crops such as wheat and some kind of trees planted in the irrigated areas and the non-irrigated scarcely planted (JNFP, 2012, Margane et al., 2009). It also pointed out that to improve the water resources of the catchment area, the 52m height roller compacted concrete Wala dam was constructed between 1999 and 2003 in the WadiWala to artificially enhance the recharge of groundwater storage. It started to impound water in winter 2002/2003. The recharged groundwater of the aquifers was being used as supplement of drinking water for Amman (the capital city), Madaba and villages near the dam. The maximum storage capacity of the Wala dam is 9.3 MCM, which is proposed to increase to 26.3 MCM.

 

However, the Wala dam in the central Jordan has lost significant storage capacity as a result of sediment infilling. Reservoir sediments are constituted of two main sources,  natural erosion products and agricultural over erosion-products (Fonseca et al., 2010;  El-Radaideh et al., 2014). During the transport and temporary deposition of sediments, fine particles may carry and buffer environmental pollutants as a consequence of strongly absorbing the pollutants at the very fine particulate surfaces (Ghrefat et al., 2011; Szczykowska et al., 2015). The accumulation of sediment destroys the normal using of reservoirs. The sediments decrease the water storage capacity over time. The bottom sediments and the water column can react with each other chemically and biologically, which gradually reduces the quality of water (Fonseca et al., 2010, 2011).

 

2.3 Related Research

 

It was claimed that reported the HEC–Geospatial Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-GeoHMS) can be use to visualize special information, document watershed characteristics, perform special analysis, and delineate subbasins and streams. In addition, simulation of sediment yield in a watershed by using HEC–HMS could be achieved. The sediment simulation capabilities play an irreplaceable role in the estimate this An HEC–HMS model was created representing physical basin characteristics based on watershed terrain, soil, land use, and precipitation and stream gauge data (Pak et al,2015).

 

In addition, Pak (2015) listed three main functions of reach elements in the sediment model, as follows:

 

“1. Evaluate sediment continuity: Estimate whether the reach itself contributes to or reduces sediment load through local scour or deposition.

2. Route sedigraph: Compute the lag and attenuation of the sedigraph as it transports through the reach.
3. Track gradational evolution: Determine whether the exposed bed sediment becomes finer or coarser over time.”

 

 

A paper presented a sensitivity analysis of the new sediment transport module can be available in HEC-HMS Version 4.0. Assessment of watershed sediment transport could be allowed by using the new sediment modelling. Eight sensitivity tests were taken place to simulate sediment parameters, which improved that those HEC-HMS watershed sediment model parameters was particularly important to adjust a sediment model. It also claimed that  sensitivity analysis can be site specific and sensitive parameters in other watersheds may diverge from those identified in the study area (Pak,2013).

 

 

 

3. PRELIMINARY WORK PROGRAMME

In this section, the work packages of dissertation Programme (HEC-HMS Catchment Modelling of Sediment Mitigation in a Complex, High -Erosion Catchment) will be listed. In addition, to ensure the programme would be successfully completed, a table risk register has been provided. Furthermore, the Gantt Chart has been placed in Appendix.

 

3.1 Work Packages

The final dissertation will represent modelling of HEC-HMS, which will be carried out 4 main work packages over the course of 12 weeks from 6th June to 26th August, which will be listed as followed:

 

Stage 1 : Evaluation & Preparing

 

In this stage, the first task to be undertaken is to have a meeting with supervisor regularly to confirm schedule for future work, which could decrease the risk of confusion or wrong direction. Continuing research is a main part in this stage, which including reading relative reference and collecting data. In addition, learning to use HEC-HMS could be a challenge for totally new users, which might take 1 more week. Therefore, modelling is the crucial foundation for future work so that another week is given. Furthermore, parts of whole modelling work can be finished in the same time.

 

         Stage 2: Modelling

 

In this stage, building the hydrologic model river by river could be time-consuming. All models should be named on its location, which should be checked again and again. After that, the next step is to pick up all model into one model. Then, input data (climate data etc.).

 

Another work ,in this stage, is building assuming groups of model, which is not fixed with reality. These groups would be used for building compared groups and recommendation for future plan. This is also time-consuming.

 

         Stage 3 : Testing & Analysing

 

All models should be run and re-run at least two times. By times of testing, errors could be avoided as far as possible. Maintaining climate data but changing hydrologic data would explore what the main factors effect on this area. Comparing with groups, large of amounts of data would be output.

 

In this stage, if the model not would good enough or errors always happened, building a new similar but simple model of this part might be a solution. Also, if any data of output would be invalid, rebuilding a new model is necessary.

 

         Stage 4 : Report Writing

 

The final stage will focus on writing report. The most relevant data should be collected. All parts of project should be well-organised and good-formatting with double check. Final version should be checked in grammar or other errors by other people. Finally, the report will be finished on time and submitted on time.

 

 

3.2 Resource Required

Abundant resources can support a successful project. For this project, the resources can be listed as following:

 

• Microsoft Office pack
• HEC-HMS v4.0
• Google Earth v7.1
• Access to information from internet sources such as Google Map
• The university library

 

3.3 Risk Management

It is important to control potential risks, which will promote to success. The Table 2 in  Appendix will illustrate the potential risk into probability, impact and magnitude from whole perspective. In addition, mitigation and contingencies would be provided.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+4. REFERENCE

Al-Bakri, J. T. & Al-Jahmany, Y. Y. 2013. Application of GIS and Remote Sensing to Groundwater Exploration in Al-Wala Basin in Jordan. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 5, 962-971.

 

Al-Balawi, F. (2004) Hydrological and Hydrogeological Study of Wadi Wala Catchment Area. Msc. Thesis, University of Jordan, Amman.

 

Al-Assa’d, T. a., & Abdulla, F. A. (2010). Artificial groundwater recharge to a semi-arid basin: case study of Mujib aquifer, Jordan. Environmental Earth Sciences, 60(4), 845–859. doi:10.1007/s12665-009-0222-2

 

El-Radaideh, N., Al-Taani, A.A., Al-Momani, T., Tarawneh, K., Batayneh, A., and Taani, A., 2014, Evaluating the potential of sediments in Ziqlab Reservoir (northwest Jordan) for soil replacement and amendment. Lake and Reservoir Management, 30, 32–45. http:/ /dx.doi.org/10.1080/10402381.2013.870263

 

Fonseca, M., Barriga, F.J., and Conceição, P.I., 2010, Clay minerals in sediments of Portuguese reservoirs and their significance as weathering products from over-eroded soils: A comparative study of the Maranhao, Monte Novo and Divor Reservoirs (South Portugal). International Journal of Earth Science, 99, 1899–1916. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00531-009-0488-3

 

Fonseca, R., Canario, T., Morais, M., and Barriga, F., 2011, Phosphorus sequestration in Fe-rich sediments from two Brazilian tropical reservoirs. Applied Geochemistry, 26, 16–27. http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2011.04.017

 

Ghrefat, H., Abu-Rukah, Y., and Rosen, M., 2011, Application of geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor for assessing metal contamination in the sediments of Kafrain Dam, Jordan. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 178, 95–109.

 

Jnfp 2012. Badia Restoration Program (BRP)- Community action plan 2011-2025. Amman.

 

Margane, A., Borgstedt, A., Hamdan, I., Subah, A. &Hajali, Z. 2009. Delineation of surface water protection zones for the Wala Dam. Technical coperation project-Groundwater Resources Management. .Technical report No.12 ed. Amman: Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and Federal Institute for Geosciences (BGR).

 

Hydrologic Engineering Center (2000). Hydrologic Modeling System HEC-HMS Technical Reference Manual, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Hydrologic Engineering Center (2006). Hydrologic Modeling System HEC-HMS User’s Manual, Version 3.1.0, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Hydrologic Engineering Center (2013). Hydrologic Modeling System HEC-HMS User’s Manual, Version 4.0, Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Szczykowska, J., Siemieniuk, A., and Wiater, J., 2015, Agricultural pollution and water quality in small retention reservoir in Korycin. Journal of Ecological Engineering, 16, 141–146. DOI: 10.12911/ 22998993/599

 

Ta’any, R. A. (2011). IMPACT OF WALA DAM ON GROUNDWATER ENHANCEMENT OF WADI WALA CATCHMENT AREA IN JORDAN. Indian Journal of Agricultural Research, 45(4), 255–265.

 

Pak, J. H., Fleming, M., Asce, A. M., Scharffenberg, W., Gibson, S., & Brauer, T. (2015). Modeling Surface Soil Erosion and Sediment Transport Processes in the Upper North Bosque River Watershed , Texas. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, 04015034(13), 1–13. doi:10 .1061/(ASCE)HE.1943-5584.0001205

 

Pak, B. J., Ph, D., Ramos, K., Fleming, M., Scharffenberg, W., Ph, D., … Ph, D. (2013). Sensitivity Analysis for Sediment Transport in the Hydrologic.